The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has launched the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, a program designed to provide opportunities for 93,731 unskilled and unemployed Nigerians nationwide.
At the launch event in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, the NDE Director-General, Mr. Silas Agara, represented by the State Coordinator, Pastor Don Anaba, expressed gratitude to attendees and underscored the program’s significance.
“When His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), appointed me as the Director-General of the NDE, he tasked me with overhauling the Directorate to enhance employment creation. Today signifies the first step in executing this mandate,” Agara stated.
The initiative targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including:
- school leavers
- Dropouts
- Women
- Graduates
- Retirees
- Individuals with special needs.
A minimum of 10 participants from each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards have been selected for training in 30 skill sets under four key programs: Vocational Skills Development, Small Scale Enterprises, Rural Employment Promotion, and Special Public Works.
Agara highlighted that participants would receive tools, equipment, and startup capital to establish businesses after training. Those unable to start immediately would be connected to credit-granting institutions for additional support.
He also emphasized the role of ICT in the program, announcing that 40,000 beneficiaries would undergo training in digital and emerging technologies. Partners like Skill Paddy and Timetrest Limited were commended for their contributions to this component.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is further supporting the initiative by providing starter packs to beneficiaries.
In Ebonyi State, 1,710 individuals have been selected for the program. Pastor Anaba encouraged participants to approach the training with dedication, affirming the government’s commitment to the initiative’s success. Representing the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Skill Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Alobu Seraphina assured that beneficiaries from the state would excel.
Mr. Nwebonyi Francis John, President of the Association of Artisans in Ebonyi State, praised the NDE and the state government for their collaborative efforts in empowering residents through skills acquisition.
The program was officially inaugurated by Professor Simon Nwibo, who urged participants to focus on job creation and fostering employment opportunities for others.
Beneficiaries such as Chieme Odumegwu and Nwowu Ogbonna expressed their gratitude to the NDE for the support and opportunities provided.
The Renewed Hope Initiative represents a deliberate strategy to combat unemployment in Nigeria while fostering inclusivity and self-sufficiency.
